The commission announced Tuesday that it was giving the award to SOHS for its "History: Made by You" as an excellent example of a relevant, successful and unique outreach program that has generated unprecedented community response.

The award is given to individuals, organizations and projects that have made outstanding contributions to preserving Oregon heritage. It will be presented May 9 during an awards dinner in Portland.

"The award recipients represent the diversity of efforts to preserve Oregon's heritage," said commission coordinator Kyle Jansson in a prepared statement. "They also serve as models for others for how to make the most out of available resources."

"History: Made by You" is an interactive, outreach program through which SOHS works hand-in-hand with local groups to create community-focused traveling exhibits.

For the project, SOHS worked closely with a high intermediate to advanced English-as-a-second-language class at Rogue Community College. The exhibition features student writing, portraits by Greg Zurbrugg of the students and objects from the students' native countries.

The exhibit is on display at the Medford Public Library through May 23.